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Navy comparison: Flag of United Kingdom United Kingdom vs Flag of Ireland Ireland

United Kingdom's 163-ship navy outnumbers Ireland's 38 vessels (4.3:1 advantage). Of these, 62 and 32 are in active service respectively.

SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
Naval ensign of United Kingdom United KingdomWorld #6 42.5
SEAS Index / 100

United Kingdom leads on 6 of 7 categories

Naval ensign of Ireland IrelandWorld #63 6.0
  • 2 Aircraft carriersweight ×200 · size, era 0
  • 6 Destroyersweight ×50 · size, era 0
  • 10 Submarinesweight ×45 · size, era 0
  • 5 Frigatesweight ×30 · size, era 0
  • 2 Amphibiousweight ×12 · size, era 0
  • 7 Mine warfareweight ×5 · size, era 0
  • 26 Patrol boatsweight ×2 · size, era 23
  • 3 Support shipsnot scored 9
  • 1 Other shipsnot scored 0
United Kingdom Ireland Bars: weighted contribution to the SEAS Index (hulls × category weight × size, era and propulsion factors, minor vessels capped at 30 % of the combatant points; the air-wing, sustainment, armament and availability multipliers apply on top) · figures: active hulls at each side's latest inventory year · Methodology
Key figures as of 2026
United Kingdom Ireland Ratio
Official name Royal Navy Irish Naval Service
Total ships 163 38 🇬🇧 4.3×
Active ships 62 32 🇬🇧 1.9×
On order / planned 16 3 🇬🇧 5.3×
Submarines 10 0 🇬🇧
Principal surface combatants 11 0 🇬🇧
Aircraft carriers 2 0 🇬🇧
Amphibious ships 2 0 🇬🇧
Show full breakdown · 3 more rowsHide the 3 extra rows
Patrol boats 26 23 🇬🇧 1.1×
Mine warfare 7 0 🇬🇧
Auxiliaries 4 9 🇮🇪 2.2×
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇬🇧 United KingdomQueen Elizabeth-class ×2Astute-class ×6Daring-class ×6
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more naval ships, United Kingdom or Ireland?
United Kingdom has a larger navy with 163 ships compared to Ireland's 38 ships.
Which navy has more submarines, United Kingdom or Ireland?
United Kingdom operates more submarines with 15 compared to Ireland's 0.
Which country has more aircraft carriers, United Kingdom or Ireland?
United Kingdom has 2 aircraft carrier(s) compared to Ireland's 0.
Which navy has more destroyers, United Kingdom or Ireland?
United Kingdom operates 6 destroyers compared to Ireland's 0.
Which navy has more frigates, United Kingdom or Ireland?
United Kingdom operates 18 frigates compared to Ireland's 0.
How do the United Kingdom and Ireland navies compare in size?
United Kingdom's navy is 4.3 times larger than Ireland's in terms of total ships (163 vs 38).